The ongoing Legionnaires’ disease outbreak on the Upper East Side has claimed its first victim, health officials disclosed on Friday, as the situation appears to be escalating.
New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin expressed his sorrow in a statement, acknowledging the loss linked to the Legionnaires’ disease cluster affecting the area.
Offering his heartfelt sympathies, Dr. Martin emphasized respect for the family’s privacy, refraining from sharing any further details about the deceased.
The outbreak continues to spread, with the city’s total number of cases rising to 67 by Thursday night, an increase from the previous count of 63.
As of now, health officials report that 12 patients are still receiving treatment in hospitals due to the Upper East Side’s Legionnaires’ disease cluster.
The disease, which stems from Legionella bacteria that has been found in 76 cooling towers across Upper East Side neighborhoods and one on the Upper West Side, is a deadly type of pneumonia that can be treated with antibiotics if caught early.